I have been looking into replacing my TS3650 with a cabinet style table saw and the question I have is about ripping width. On the TS3650 the max is 36 inches, On the Grizzly table saws that I have been looking at they are 29 1/2 and then 52 inches. How many people use a greater then 29 1/2 ripping width? I been thinking about it and I do not think I really use past 30 inches in width. If it helps the table saw I have been looking at is the G0690. Thanks

FWIW, on my recent Shaker project, there were a couple times I wished I had a 52" cutting width. It isn't an option for me because of the size of my shop, but if I had a larger shop I would absolutely want more than 30".

Bert,
I seldom rip over 12" wide, and that is usually plywood parts. It is much easier and safer to rip wide pieces with a circular saw and guide fence on saw horses or even on the floor with styrofoam backer layed down first.
I don't know that "kick-back" is a problem but, wider pieces are hard to handle and you take a chance on bending your blade if the material DOES get out of hand.
That is not to say that you can't cross cut using a miter gauge or sled but, 30" is a lllooonnnggg reach doing that too.
Just my 2 cents worth.

Rog

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Thats what I was thinking, If I purchase plywood at HD or Lowes I take the measurements with me and have then cut it rough on their panel saw. I don't think I have really used the ripping fence over 24 inches which will split a sheet of plywood in 2.

I have the G0690, Bert, and love it....big step up for me. I'd like to have the 52" capability when I'm building doors. Cutting the panels can be thrilling w/ only the 36" span, sometimes it just barely enough. Work like that is rare (building over a dozen doors in one year is lucrative but I don't see many jobs like that down the road).

Other than that I don't think I've ever needed it. I sure would never try to cut a sheet of plywood on the table saw, 'specialy if I'm alone, just too awkward.

Looking back over the last 20 years I can't remember a time when I needed that much width other than the doors.

I've been using the same WWII 1/8" for ten years, had it sharpened and it still cuts as smooth as a baby's fanny.

The G0690 has a very good splitter system that's 1/8 thick and I'm not sure if they offer a thin version. That splitter is very well designed, easy to get in an' out and is, IMHO, the primary safty feature of the saw so I wouldn't think of running a thin curf blade. Frankly, I don't see the advantage of the thin blade. It isn't compatable w/ splitters or the rule.

ok thanks I found a lot of post on the forum from SMC and been reading those. It looks like there are more good reviews then bad. I am hoping they have some type of sale when I go to purchase it so I can save a little money. I will also be selling my TS3650

Thats what I was thinking, If I purchase plywood at HD or Lowes I take the measurements with me and have then cut it rough on their panel saw. I don't think I have really used the ripping fence over 24 inches which will split a sheet of plywood in 2.

VERY limited requirement for more than 30. If you have a recurring need for oversize stuff, you can get the left side table parallel to the blade and fence your piece underneath.

Since I was obliged to give up my pickup for something with back seats for grandchildren, I take my measurements, my folding horses, battery-powered saw, and a fence with me to Menards. People give me weird looks sometimes, but when I swing the smaller pieces up onto the luggage rack they start nodding. Their panel saw would splinter veneer on both sides with its poor adjustment.

When I got my saw I opted for the 52" rails. Sorry to say, I've regretted it ever since. The extra length gets in the way all the time and the table I built between the rails is just a flat place for junk to collect.

The vendor where I buy my sheet goods has a panel saw that is as accurate as my table saw with no splintering so the extra capacity on my saw is wasted.

A cabinet saw would be nice if you have a large shop.
As said above, the rails could get in the way.
Just yesterday I needed to rip 11" of ply off a 48" wide.
Didn't feel safe doing it on my TS2424. So I grabbed
my All-In-One Clamp and Ryobi 18V 5-1/2 in Circular Saw and
rough it and then took it to the TS.

If I have time during the week I normally go to Industrial Plywood in downtown Reading. I just looked at that clamp and it is on sale for 29.99. That is a great deal. I see that there is no reason to get a saw with a ripping width greater then 30 inches

I had 52 inches of rip capability on my unisaw but when we moved I stepped down to a ridgid contractor. To alleviate lifting the sheets up on the saw I bought a festool circ and long guide and haven't looked back since... straight, tearout free cuts aren easy now--no matter how long

Lawrence
ps- I don't really miss the larger capacity of the uni, though I do miss its power

If I have time during the week I normally go to Industrial Plywood in downtown Reading. I just looked at that clamp and it is on sale for 29.99. That is a great deal. I see that there is no reason to get a saw with a ripping width greater then 30 inches

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